- On these tours we stay in
one hotel for seven nights. There is no packing and
unpacking - at the end of each day we return to our
hotel. The distances we cover are not large - each
location has many nearby historic sites as well as
lovely countryside and interesting towns.
- We don’t just sit on a
bus all day long - there are chances for a gentle
stroll … perhaps along a seaside promenade or
through garden paths of magnificent country estates.
For those who prefer not to walk there will be an
attractive alternative - perhaps a café or an
interesting museum. At historic sites such as castles
there is considerable walking required.
- Start time — usually
about 9.30am and returning to the hotel about 5.30pm.
- Groups are small -
maximum of 15 people plus a guide.
- Discovery Tours are
about enjoying the British countryside and exploring
off-the-beaten track areas. We go to see plenty of
attractions but, for flexibility, the cost of all
admissions is not included. Extra admission costs vary
but participants usually spend approximately 50 pounds
for the week. If you have a National Trust membership
or English Heritage Membership bring your card… this
will reduce your admission costs.
- It is necessary to spend
lots of time on your feet and walk around places of
interest. There could be steps and occasionally a
little steep ground but we allow plenty of time to
negotiate it.
- HF tour leaders are
qualified guides who know the region well and will
make history come alive with stories you wont find in
any guide book.
- Buses are small and so
can traverse the back roads. This allows us to see
some of the historic hidden gems and out-of-the-way
places you would never find on a whirlwind bus tour.
There are no toilets on
the minibus but we have frequent breaks at pubs and
tea-shops with facilities.
- We stay for a week in a
“country-house” hotel owned by HF Holidays . The
atmosphere is that of staying in a private club. These
hotels are usually old mansions that have been converted
to comfortable hotels. Rooms have private bathrooms and
hairdryers. Beds are either twin or double.
- All rooms are non-smoking.
Smoking is not allowed on the buses.
- People travelling on their
own are welcome and will find that the holidays are
perfect for singles.
- Three meals a day are
included. Food is good and plentiful
Breakfast is a cold buffet plus a “cooked English
breakfast”.
Lunch is a “self-serve” picnic.
Dinners offer a choice of main courses with one always
being vegetarian. Special diets can be catered for.
- Taxes and tipping are
included.
- Travel to the holiday
location is not included in the cost . Teachers’
Travel can make arrangements for train tickets.
- Because HF Holidays is
operated as a “not-for-profit” organization, there
is a membership charge of 5 UK
- All HF hotels offer
internet connection and laundry facilities. Some have
swimming pools.
- Single rooms are small
with one single bed. Supplement for these rooms is 49 UK
for the week. If you prefer to have sole occupancy of a
double room there is a supplement of 257 UK .
- Some HF hotels offer
optional “Premium” rooms for a supplement of 5 UK
per night (per person). These rooms will be larger than
standard rooms and usually have a better view.
- This website suggests
some of the possible highlights in each location.
Itineraries may be altered at the discretion of the HF
guides due to weather, road conditions, opening times
and local events.
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